Well, we’re proud to say that the Car-Free Challengers collectively drove 90% less during the weeklong Challenge than an equal number of average drivers would have. But many told stories of how hard it is to get around without a car in many places.

Read on for the news, including ways you can help create more places where driving less is easy:

RSVP now for the July 21 TransForay in the South Bay

Speak out for more ambitious transportation-related emissions targets July 9, 21 and 28

Tell our Senators we need the Public Transportation Preservation Act now

TransForm pushes for policy that would let regions raise funds for transit and bike/ped projects

Two reports show how better land use and transportation options can yield big environmental and economic wins

Ride your bike in a Fourth of July parade!

Celebrate better access to public transportation on July 13

Get the basics on how transportation models work July 20

Learn how public transportation and smarter land use can help the “senior tsunami” July 28

Have your company compete in the Great Race for Clean Air

RSVP now for the July 21 TransForay in the South Bay

Our TransForay in the South Bay will look at what’s happening with public transportation in San Jose. Experts will lead participants on a walking and transit tour to see firsthand how future Bus Rapid Transit service will better connect communities with jobs and services, plus how local businesses have become actively involved in improving public transportation.

Speak out for more ambitious transportation-related emissions targets July 9, 21 and 28

Under SB 375, every region in California will be assigned transportation-related greenhouse gas reduction targets that they’ll then work to meet by improving transportation choices, land use, and housing options.
Last night, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released draft greenhouse gas reduction targets for 18 regions across the state – a big moment! But both the Bay Area and Southern California have proposed reduction targets of somewhere between just 3% and 12% per capita by 2035.

TransForm believes we can do better. Fortunately, the Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has responded to the urgings of TransForm, NRDC and other ClimatePlan member organizations that they should look at additional transportation and land use scenarios to see the full range of possible emissions reduction levels.

Join us in advocating for ambitious but achievable emissions targets at MTC meetings on July 9 and July 28, both at 10 a.m., or CARB’s public workshop in Oakland on July 21 at 10:30 a.m. Learn more and email Carli if you can attend one of these meetings and to get talking points.

Tell our Senators we need the Public Transportation Preservation Act now

14 U.S. Senators are now signed on as co-sponsors of the Public Transportation Preservation Act. This legislation would allow existing federal public transportation funds to be used to keep buses, trains, and ferries running instead of being restricted to only building or buying new stuff.

TransForm pushes for policy that would let regions raise funds for transit and bike/ped projects

With our new state policy director Graham Brownstein working the halls of the Capitol, we’re making progress on a bill that would let regional transportation planning agencies let voters decide whether to adopt local fees on fuel in order to fund public transportation, bike lanes, sidewalks, and other critical transportation projects. Contact Graham to sign on your organization (if applicable) in support or to be on an email listserv that’s discussing how to address the equity issues this legislation brings up.

Two reports show how better land use and transportation options can yield big environmental and economic wins

Between huge anticipated population growth and California’s new smart growth law, SB 375, there’s a lot to figure out about in terms of how transportation and land use decisions can shape our state’s future. Two new reports help point the way. Vision California analyzes the economic and environmental impacts of different scenarios for growth. The Urban Land Institute’s S.B. 375 Impact Analysis Report examines the potential effects of the new law on the economic future for the state and the quality of life for its residents.

Ride your bike in a Fourth of July parade!

Bike San Mateo County invites any and all bicyclists to join them in riding in the Redwood City July Fourth Parade. Bikers will meet at 9am at July at Standish Street and Allerton in Redwood City. Entry is free and you do not need to be a member.

Celebrate better access to public transportation on July 13

Come cheer for a project that exemplifies the removal of critical barriers to walking or biking to public transportation at the ribbon-cutting for Berkeley’s new Bike Station on Tuesday, July 13 at 11am at 2208 Shattuck Avenue. This project was funded by the Safe Routes to Transit grant program, which TransForm administers.

Get the basics on how transportation models work July 20

Thanks to laws like SB 375, nwe need to understand what different transportation and land use approaches will yield in terms of less driving and emissions more than ever. TransForm’s transportation program director Carli Paine is gathering folks to view a 90-minute video featuring three experts that looks at the ups and downs of using modeling to project the impacts of different regional and interregional transportation and land use scenarios. Email Carli if you’ll attend to watch and discuss the video from 5:30 – 7:30pm at our Oakland office. Free; light snacks provided.

Learn how public transportation and smarter land use can help the “senior tsunami” July 28

Don Weden, a retired Santa Clara County planner, will discuss what the approaching tsunami of senior citizens could mean for cities and suburbs. Can we improve public transportation and land use to make places more "senior friendly" so those who no longer drive can still lead active, independent lives? Hear Don at the San Carlos Library on July 28 at 7pm; the event is free and open to the public. Get more info and RSVP.

Have your company compete in the Great Race for Clean Air

Starting on August 1, companies across the Bay Area will compete to see who can collectively cut the most emissions by leaving their cars at home more often. Sign your company up now.